14 Types of Shaved Ice Expressing Regional Charm

Hoshino Resorts' onsen ryokan brand, KAI, will host "KAI's Regional Shaved Ice 2019," an event where guests can discover shaved ice creations that express the charm of each region through their syrups and toppings.

With the concept "Classic, yet New," KAI aims to provide enjoyable experiences while incorporating the age-old wisdom of cooling down with cold treats. To this end, they have devised original shaved ice creations.

Shaved ice creations inspired by the signature products of Tochigi, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Ishikawa, and Shimane prefectures will be available. The lineup features regional highlights such as wine, apples, and Kaga bocha tea. Beyond their delicious flavors, their vibrant colors are sure to make for stunning Instagram photos.

Shaved ice creations inspired by the signature products of Tochigi, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Ishikawa, and Shimane prefectures will be available. The lineup features regional highlights such as wine, apples, and Kaga bocha tea. Beyond their delicious flavors, their vibrant colors are sure to make for stunning Instagram photos. The event runs from Saturday, July 13, to Saturday, August 31, 2019.

Wine Shaved Ice: KAI Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture, Asama Onsen)
The Kikyogahara region in Shiojiri, adjacent to Matsumoto City, is said to be the birthplace of Nagano wine, and KAI Matsumoto offers approximately 50 types of Kikyogahara wines. For this shaved ice, we use a syrup made from "Concord," a fruity wine from this selection. Additionally, the individually handcrafted grape-shaped pottery features a charming, rounded texture. The alcohol has been removed, so even those who don't typically drink alcohol can enjoy it. You can spend a sophisticated summer evening, savoring the wine, the vessel, and the creator's passion.
[Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM / Location: Lobby]
*Children's orders also accepted

[NEW] Hydrangea Shaved Ice: KAI Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone Yumoto Onsen)
Due to the significant elevation changes in the Hakone area, hydrangeas can be enjoyed for an extended period. During their peak blooming season, the Hakone Tozan Railway is affectionately known as the "Hydrangea Train," and viewing the flowers from the train has become a summer tradition. The name "ajisai" (hydrangea) is derived from "azusai," meaning "gathering indigo." The sight of blue flowers clustered together is incredibly refreshing. This shaved ice captures that color with jelly and syrup.
[Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Last Order 4:30 PM) / Location: Dining Area]

[NEW] Flower Color Shaved Ice: KAI Ito (Shizuoka Prefecture, Ito Onsen)
Izu, with its warm climate, is a region where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons throughout the year. "Flower Color Shaved Ice" expresses the flowers that bloom in the Ito area from early summer to midsummer. This visually stunning dessert is colored with the yellow of Hypericum flowers, the pink of Abelia, and the blue of hydrangeas, all of which bloom abundantly around Matsukawa Lake in Ito City. The tartness of Izu's local citrus and the sweetness of strawberries, along with the refreshing flavor of ramune, make it a perfect treat for the hot summer.
[Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM / Location: Post-Bath Lounge]

[NEW] Apple Extravaganza Shaved Ice: KAI Alps (Nagano Prefecture, Omachi Onsen)
Shinshu is one of Japan's leading apple-producing regions. The "Apple Extravaganza Shaved Ice," made with three types of apples, features a syrup with chunks of apple for a satisfying texture, and a syrup from the fragrant green apple "Bramley," all covered with ice. Finally, a syrup from the tart "Jonagold" apple is drizzled over the top. This all-apple shaved ice allows you to enjoy the distinct flavors of each variety. You can relax and enjoy a cool summer moment by the irori hearth, feeling the refreshing breeze, or with your feet dipped in the stream in the inner garden.
[Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM / Location: Irori]

Black Tea Shaved Ice: KAI Anjin (Shizuoka Prefecture, Ito Onsen)
Named after the English navigator William Adams (Anjin Miura), who inspired the facility's name, this shaved ice is served with a syrup based on black tea, a beverage long cherished in England. You can choose between two flavors, milk tea and lemon tea, and enjoy the rich aroma and elegant sweetness of black tea. While gazing at the magnificent ocean from the top-floor Sunbuena Deck, you can experience a luxurious coolness accompanied by the sea breeze with this black tea shaved ice.
[Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM / Location: Post-Bath Lounge]

[NEW] Art Shaved Ice: KAI Sengokuhara (Kanagawa Prefecture, Sengokuhara Onsen)
KAI Sengokuhara, located amidst numerous art museums, offers "Art Shaved Ice," where guests can freely color a canvas of pure white ice with their preferred syrup colors. Syrups in vibrant hues, such as strawberry and seasonal green mikan, are arranged like paints, allowing you to enjoy your favorite color and flavor combinations. The dessert is also served in handcrafted glass vessels by Hiroshi Hamadate and Mio Muraki of Odawara glass studio "ipada," adding to its visual appeal.
[Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM / Location: Dining Area or Lobby]

[NEW] Enshu Cotton Tweed Shaved Ice: KAI Enshu (Shizuoka Prefecture, Tateyama Onsen)
In the spring of 2019, "Tsumugi Tea Fields," inspired by the vertical stripes of Enshu Cotton Tweed, a local craft, were created at KAI Enshu. The "Enshu Cotton Tweed Shaved Ice" is a charming creation that represents these Tsumugi Tea Fields. The stripes, formed by the deep red of Enkianthus perulatus and the green of tea plants, are depicted with two types of syrup. The green syrup uses deeply steamed sencha. In addition to its cute appearance, you can enjoy the sweet and sour taste of strawberries combined with the refreshing astringency of sencha.
[Time: 8:45 PM - 9:15 PM / Location: Travel Library]

[NEW] Kaga Bocha Shaved Ice: KAI Kaga (Ishikawa Prefecture, Yamashiro Onsen)
Kaga Bocha tea, with its fragrant aroma and clean taste, has been cherished since the Edo period. This traditional shaved ice is served with Kaga Bocha syrup and gold leaf in an elegant Kutani ware bowl. Amidst the enchanting atmosphere where Kaga Mizuhiki lanterns illuminate the twilight, this shaved ice, brimming with the essence of Kaga, will color your summer.
[Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM / Location: Travel Library]

Indigo Strawberry Shaved Ice: KAI Kinugawa (Tochigi Prefecture, Kinugawa Onsen)
This shaved ice uses indigo strawberries (also known as blueberries), a specialty of Tochigi Prefecture. Tochigi is a well-kept secret as a prime blueberry-producing region, with blueberry picking being popular in the summer. "Nikko Agri Kobo," known for its popular shaved ice, has prepared a special syrup for KAI Kinugawa using freshly picked blueberries. By leaving the fruit pulp in the syrup, you can enjoy the original tartness and sweetness of the blueberries.
[Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM / Location: Dining Area]

Ginger Shaved Ice: KAI Izumo (Shimane Prefecture, Tamatsukuri Onsen)
This is an original shaved ice creation featuring ginger. Ginger is known for its excellent flavor, aroma, and refreshing spiciness. A Shimane folk song even praises it, saying, "If you're marrying off a daughter, send her to Izumo; the scent of ginger will ward off colds." It is also cherished as an ingredient that warms the body and is mentioned in the "Izumo Province Fudoki" (records of the climate, geography, etc. of Izumo Province). The syrup, with its subtle spiciness amidst the sweetness, will help you overcome the hot summer.
[Time: 8:45 PM - 9:00 PM / Location: Bamboo Garden *Front Desk depending on weather]